Porta Didsbury

Porta Didsbury is the fourth instalment in Ben and Joe Wright’s North West micro-empire of tapas bars with others in Chester, Altrincham and Salford. They were also the duo behind fondly-remembered Chester restaurant Joseph Benjamin.

The new restaurant is in Simon Rimmer’s old Greens spot in West Didsbury but the place is unrecognisable. Porta is cosy and inviting with dark olive green walls and low lighting. There’s also a lot more meat although stunning veg plays its part too.

The food is influenced by both Spain and Portugal. Typical tapas dishes include roasted chicken leg with Valencian almond and saffron sauce, Cantabrian tuna belly with confit piquillo peppers, tenderstem broccoli with romesco and some well-chosen charcuterie.

There’s an excellent drinks selection too with the sherry, vermouth and G&T giving the authentic Spanish bar experience.

Porta Didsbury is the sort of neighbourhood restaurant where you’d pop in for a couple of dishes and end up leaving three hours later, satisfied and happy. West Didsbury is lucky to have this place.